
Upholstery fabrics are designed to be tough, to put up with the hard wear a sofa gets. For this reason they often contain a mix of fibres, to give the required texture and strength. Velvets and chenilles have a luxurious look, textured fabrics are good for adding interest, or you could go for straightforward linen mixes or cotton. Watch out for big patterns, as you may tire of them quickly.
A sofa must also be made to meet stringent fire safety regulations, so if you intend to supply your own fabric, check the suitability with your sofa supplier first.
Leather comes in both super smooth versions and distressed, antiqued finishes. Semi aniline leather, which has been subjected to a process that removes most of the flaws, is a good choice for family life, as it has a hardwearing finish.

Go for a relaxed living style with this oversized sofa with plenty of cushions. It has a washable loose cover so spills are no problem. Bea large sofa in Dune Duck Egg, £499, Sofa Workshop.
A fixed cover will hug the sofa like a well fitting jacket, for a smart, formal look. Since the cover isn’t removable, make sure it’s has been pre-treated with a stain resistant coating.
Loose covers have a more relaxed, lived-in look. Some are dry-clean only and others can be washed. Bear in mind that you should wash the entire cover and cushions at the same time, to ensure even fading. If you can afford to buy a second set of covers along with the sofa, you’ll extend the life of the sofa.
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